What Are Chitlins and How to Cook Chitterlings (2024)

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Published by Izzy

on Apr 27, 2022

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Also known as chitterlings, Chitlins are the large intestines of pigs but are also available from a calf or veal. They became an increasing popular Southern cuisine between 1930 and 1960, partly due to the Chitlin’ Circuit.

What Are Chitlins and How to Cook Chitterlings (2)

Typically slow-cooked or fried, with a large part of the process going into cleaning and preparing them. Because they can be quite labor-intensive, chitlins are often reserved for special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

What Are Chitlins?

Originating during the time of American slavery, where pigs would be slaughtered in the Southern US, with the meat reserved for the slave owners, while the scraps, such as intestines were left for the slaves.

Popular during the Jim Crow era, restaurants and music venues served chitlins, which essentially became safe places for black performers. And from that, is how Chitlin Circuit was formed. Salley, South Carolina, is the self-proclaimed chitlin capital of the world, hosting a Chitlin’ Strut and serving chitterlings since the 1960’s.

However, chitlins are eaten around the world but more popular in Caribbean and Latin American cuisine. Here they are made in a traditional stew called mondongo. In Korea, it’s called makchang, a form of grilled pork intestines; and in French cuisine, it is called tricandilles, whereas China has jiangsi chao dachang, consisting of stir fried intestines.

What Do Chitlins Taste Like?

Chitlins have a mild flavor, so they easily take on the flavors of the seasonings they’re prepared with, such as aromatics and spices in the boiling liquid.

Some compare the texture and flavor to octopus and various other seafood, with many people saying that chitlins are an acquired taste. Unfortunately, they can have a foul smell while cooking, so it is advised that you cook them outside.

Most people prefer deep-fried chitlins, but they can be added to stews or soups as well. The choice is yours.

What Are Chitlins and How to Cook Chitterlings (3)

Are Chitlins Good for You?

This all depends on how you prepare them, and if prepared correctly they may provide you with some surprising nutrients. You will get about 10 grams of protein from a three ounce serving while also getting a dose of zinc and vitamin B-12. The result? An immune boost, and a kick start to your metabolism. A three-ounce serving of chitlins has 1.6 mg of this mineral.

How To Clean Chitlins

If you’re starting from frozen, simply thaw your chitlins before you begin cleaning. Do not skip cooking them, as uncooked chitlins can potentially carry E. Coli, yersinia, and salmonella. Also note that some butchers don’t clean them before selling, so it is vital to clean them on your own or double check that they’ve been cleaned.

According to USDA guidelines, you should boil your raw chitlins for five minutes before cleaning them to kill as much bacteria as you can. If there is any fecal matter or extra fat, remove it by hand. From there use a strainer and rinse the chitlins in cold water.

An important tip is to ensure you continuously clean and sanitize your workspace and cooking utensils, to keep them free from harmful bacteria and potentially make you sick.

If all of that sounds a bit much to you, then simply purchase cleaned and pre-cooked chitlins.

Here are some tips for handling chitlins, as informed by USDA guidance:

  • Thaw frozen chitterlings in the refrigerator wrapped in plastic wrap and, not at room temperature, never at room temperature.
  • Wash hands properly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before and after preparing chitterlings.
  • Be sure to wash all of your utensils and workspace areas with hot soapy water to avoid bacteria and cross contamination.
  • You can also sanitize countertops with a solution of 1 tablespoon of unscented, liquid chlorine bleach in 1 gallon of water.
  • Always keep your children out of the kitchen while preparing chitterlings.
  • Boil and simmer chitterlings until well cooked and tender.
What Are Chitlins and How to Cook Chitterlings (4)

Where To Buy Chitlins

You may not be able to find chitlins in your everyday markets, however specialty butchers should have them. Depending on where you live, you might be able to find chitlins in the frozen section at your local grocery store.

How to Store Chitlins

  • Use your raw chitterlings within two days of thawing.
  • Use frozen chitterlings within 3 to 4 months.
  • Cooked chitterlings can stay in the fridge for 3 to 4 days and 3 to 4 months in the freezer.

What Are Chitlins and How to Cook Chitterlings (5)

How To Cook Chitlins

By: Izzy

Simply boil and simmer your chitlins until tender. Then add your favorite seasonings. It’s easy to make and you can serve them with pasta or rice.

Total: 3 hours hrs

Servings: 4

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Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chitlins, thawed and cleaned
  • 1/4 onion, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

Instructions

  • Soak the chitterlings and clean them thoroughly.

  • Fill a large pot with water over medium heat. Add chitlins, and bring it to a boil.

  • Add onions, salt, red pepper flakes, and garlic.

  • Cover with the lid, and simmer for 3 to 4 hours until nice and tender. Serve and enjoy!

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.

Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

About Izzy

I'm Izzy, a food lover and photographer. Here you’ll find a collection of simple recipes that are perfect for busy people. My blog aims to help you make and enjoy delicious and healthy food at home.

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What Are Chitlins and How to Cook Chitterlings (2024)

FAQs

What do chitlins taste like? ›

What Do Chitlins Taste Like? Chitlins have a mild flavor, so they readily take on the flavors of the seasonings they're prepared or served with, such as aromatics and spices in the boiling liquid. Fried chitlins are often served with vinegar and hot sauce.

How do you cook chitterlings? ›

In a large sauce pan, cover chitterlings with water. Add red pepper flakes, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt. Cook chitterlings until tender, 2 to 3 hours. Drain and cut into serving sized pieces.

What are chitlins filled with? ›

Chitlins (or chitterlings, as they're also called) are cooked pig intestines. They're typically boiled, fried, or stuffed with mincemeat and served as just one part of a larger meal.

How long does it take to clean and cook chitterlings? ›

Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then cover and simmer over medium heat for 3 to 4 hours; chitterlings should appear clear to white in color. Use a slotted spoon to transfer chitterlings to a cutting board.

Is eating chitterlings healthy? ›

Chitterlings can be contaminated with the bacteria Yersinia enterocolitica, which can cause a diarrheal illness called "yersiniosis." Other foodborne pathogens — such as Salmonella and Escherichia coli— can also be present, so it is important to follow safe food handling practices to prevent infection.

Why do people eat chitterlings? ›

The history of chitterlings in Southern culinary traditions began when, at hog butchering time, slaves were given the leftovers by their slavers, and had to make do with neck bones, snouts, feet and other less desirable parts. The slaves used the intestines to make a dish that became a staple in soul food cooking.

Is Walmart selling Chitlins? ›

With a vast array of delicious choices to choose from, pick up any Smithfield pork offals or chitterlings and find your favorite. Enjoy irresistible pork flavor with every savory bite in a meal that's sure to leave you satisfied.

What helps with the smell of chitterlings? ›

Yes, vinegar can help eliminate the chitlin smell.

What does baking soda do to chitterlings? ›

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that chitterlings "can be contaminated with Yersinia enterocolitica and other harmful germs that can make you sick." Therefore, it's essential to sanitize chitterlings by soaking them in water with baking soda or vinegar for several minutes, followed by thorough ...

What ethnicity eats chitlins? ›

In the United States, Chitlins are a southern delicacy primarily eaten by African-Americans. They normally don't appear in their recognizable red buckets until just before Christmas as families stock up on their provisions for the holiday.

Is chitlins a black food? ›

Chitterlings or chitlins are an African American culinary tradition.

Can diabetics eat chitterlings? ›

Conclusions: The preparation or consumption of chitterlings by diabetic patients and other chronically ill persons can result in potentially life-threatening infectious complications.

What brand of chitterlings are the cleanest? ›

Aunt Bessie's Chitterlings - Premium Hand Cleaned Pork Chitterlings.

Can chitlins go bad? ›

Freeze raw chitlins unless you plan to clean and cook them within 2 days. Thaw raw frozen chitlins in the refrigerator in a bowl or bucket completely covered in plastic wrap to prevent drips that can contaminate the refrigerator and items in it. Use raw chitlins within 2 days after thawing them.

What goes with chitterlings? ›

Chef Joya pinto beans, coleslaw, macaroni cheese, rice, turnip greens with smoked turkey necks and cornbread,or even just on two slices of bread with hot sauce. Chitlins go good with anything or whatever you like.

What do fried chitterlings taste like? ›

Chitterlings, or chitlins, are a classic Southern recipe consisting of pork intestines that can be cooked or fried. Mild in flavor, their bits are a great canvas to work with because they can take on whatever seasonings and cooking method you're using.

Do chitlins smell when cooked? ›

First: chitlins, that delicacy made of fried pig intestines. * They're well-loved throughout the South, especially during the upcoming holiday season. But the smell of them cooking inspires significantly less affection. Because the cooking process sometimes smells like, well, feces.

Are chitlins chewy? ›

Chitterlings have a tender but not too chewy texture, though it can be thick and “rubbery.” The savory pork flavor is subtle and slightly salty. Since chitterlings are soft, they tend to soak up the flavors of whatever they're cooked in.

Are chitlins like pork rinds? ›

Chitlins might look similar to our favorite pork products, but be warned - these are made from the intestines of pigs, so if you're easily grossed out, maybe go find another snack...and go into another room, because these babies have a strong smell.

References

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